Brett Lee launches latest Timex T-Series Chronograph Collection and meets winners of "Timex Meet Brett Lee" competition

Dubai, U.A.E., 25th July 2008: Australian speed king and Timex brand ambassador Brett Lee was in Dubai today to unveil the latest collection of Timex T-Series Chronograph watches at a high-energy event at the Ibn Batuta Mall.

Crowds gathered from the early hours of Friday at the Andalucian Court of the mall in anticipation of getting a glimpse of the popular cricketer. As soon as Brett Lee arrived, it was a wave of excitement across the mall. The friendly cricketer met with visitors, signed autographs and even posed for photographs with fans as he unveiled the new range of Timex chronographs.   

The special event was the culmination of the "Timex Meet Brett Lee" consumer promotion, which was run from 5th to 20th July, across all Hour Choice outlets and TIMEX kiosks across the city. This promotion allowed consumers who had purchased a Timex watch during the promotional period, to enter a draw in which a "lucky 11" would be selected to attend an exclusive lunch with Brett Lee at the Kempinski Hotel, in the Mall of the Emirates.

As Timex brand ambassador, Brett played the perfect host with the winners, enthusiastically discussing everything from cricket to cuisine and Timex watches with them.

Commenting on the successful promotion and event, P Ravi Rao, Group General Manager of Hour Choice said, "We are extremely upbeat about this association of Timex with ace cricketer Brett Lee. This alliance will certainly go a long way for Hour Choice which retails Timex watches. Timex is one of the key brands at Hour Choice and the great response to this promotion is a clear proof of it."

Hour Choice is playing an active role in expanding the Timex brand presence in the region through various recent business developments like the formation of Timex Mono brand kiosks across the city. Expecting a substantial growth of the brand in the coming years, Hour Choice has also planned more such mono brand initiatives for Timex.  

Timex Area Sales Director for EMEA region, Nick Green, comments on Brett's visit saying, "We are glad to have Brett here in Dubai with us today to meet the winners of the "Timex Meet Brett Lee" consumer promotion. The promotion has been extremely well received and an event of this sort is always a great way to involve consumers with the brand. It was especially great that Brett even got the chance to visit our Timex kiosk in the Ibn Batuta mall where several more consumers got to interact with him. The day has been very successful for us all." 

Timex Brand Ambassador and Australian speedster Brett Lee commented, "I am excited to be visiting Dubai as the Timex Brand Ambassador. It is a truly amazing city and it was great to have met so many fans and spent time with the winners of the Timex promotion. It would be wonderful to come back to Dubai again."

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About Timex
Timex Group USA, Inc. is America's leading watch manufacturer. With a large and varied line of watches, Timex has a style for everyone. Timex is committed to developing ergonomic, comfortable, durable and fashionable watches with innovative features that enable customers to meet their performance and lifestyle expectations. Timex products are sold throughout the world.

About Hour Choice
The Rivoli Group expanded its retail network in 1999 by introducing an independent new branch of watch stores - "Hour Choice" - catering to a demographic profile that is not reached through the high end Rivoli stores network.

Today, the Hour Choice network of more than 90 stores retails fashionable, classic and lifestyle watches across a cross section of price points, and along with a variety of international brands such as Timex, Tissot, cK, Certina, Balmain, Mango, Timberland, Swatch, DKNY, D&G, Hot Diamonds, Hugo Boss, D&G, AnneKlein, Breil, Skagen, Kenneth Cole, BCBG, JLO, CAT, Bruno Banani, Betty Barclay, Fila, Fontenay, Oakley, Continental, Cruiser, Everswiss and Lordson.

Hour Choice now also houses fine fashion jewellery brands - Ambrosia, Calvin Klein, Crislu, D & G, Diesel, Hot Diamonds, Otazu and Swatch Bijoux, among others, at select stores.

About The Rivoli Group
Since 1988, The Rivoli Group has been building its strong position in the fast growing retail environment in the UAE and the lower Gulf states. The Group has become one of the largest importers and retailers of luxury brands in the Middle East and offers a wide range of product categories from watches and writing instruments to menswear, accessories, gift items and eyewear.

The Rivoli Group represents brands such as Montblanc, Longines, Dunhill, J M Weston, Glashütte, Carl. F. Bucherer, Milleret, Hour Choice, Kenzo, Vertu and more. The Rivoli Group operates over 250 stores throughout the GCC.

The Toll Free number to call is 800-RIVOLI.

For further information, please contact:
Debanjana Chaudhuri
BPG Public Relations
Level 6 MAF Tower Deira City Centre
PO Box 3294
Dubai
UAE
T +971 4 295 3456 Ext 301
F +971 4 295 8066
M 050 1851989
debanjana@batespangulf.com 
www.batespangulf.com 

© Press Release 2008